Nikolay puts away his things and gets ready to leave with Fondo and crew.
Guess I'll have to skip my lunch date today.
--Thank goodness.
"Eh, it's not working. Can't tell a thing." Barael's eyes study Briar, when he turns to listen to Nikolay.
Sense Motive
Briar smirks. Of course not. You humans are mostly bad liars, aren't you?
"Well, let me have it back so it can get to someone who will understand its magics better. Thank you for your time."
Barael nods. "And that which can be granted can be stripped away, right? Briar's Blessing can't always be there, your fire and steel, Charlie's protections, Dandi's alchemicals, Fondo's strength."
Briar snorts in derisive disagreement.
"And that is where we disagree, 'Churl'. Magic you cannot control is as good as air you cannot breathe. This gift that you seek comes not when you bid it and does not do what you command. Magic is meant to be bound and controlled by the user, commanded. Your 'gift'...it is not that. As we saw last night."
But maybe he could beg his opponents to return on the fullest of moons to finish the battle.
* * *
Briar gathers his bow and is ready to make his way to the citadel.
Barael smirks back, as he takes the belt off. "Least I can do. You're well on your way to mastering that magic crafting."
I'll find out more, but not from you, apparently.
Barael walks with Nik and Briar. "I never said the bite was a gift. And it's certainly not magic. And it'll come when it's bidden." Barael stops in place. "I'll prove it to you."
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"AHAHAHAHA!!! YOU SEE??!! It's controllable, I tell you!! AHAHAHA!!!!"
Snapping to battle mode, Briar spins away from the beast, knocking a silver arrow and aiming it appropriately.
"Beware, Beast. If you can control yourself, then you're probably aware how wise it would be to return to your natural form now."
Briar nods at Nikolay.
We got this ratscallion.
"Beast?? I know that's what you see, but I'm still Barael here. Same Barael who moments ago bade this form to come. And came it did!! I told you!" Barael notes that Briar doesn't lower his bow.
"Ok, uh, first admit that you were wrong. Then I'll change back." Barael crosses his claws, and waits.
Presumably Fondo has left for the Citadel as Beast Barael makes a fool of himself.
. . . . .
A few hours earlier, Fondo grows impatient with Dandi and Charlie, who still seem wrapped up in crossing the Is and Ts of their research. "Let me go to the Citadel and let them know we are almost there, while you make two copies of your instructions. Just tell me—what sort of equipment will they need to put in place? Make "
He hastens to the Citadel with Nikolay, hoping the magus will be better prepared to fill in details of the cure. He suppresses his desire to proclaim the discovery to the entire city, and instead waits patiently for Cressida to make herself available.
Assuming she does so, he begins, "Good news! We have made the discovery, and are in the process of writing up instructions for your alchemists. Pray tell, what plans have you for reproducing the cure? Who shall be in charge of production?"
For his boon, Charlie would like to upgrade his appearance. He would like to have a wand with prestidigitation (he has use magic device and failing does not expend a charge) and 2 sets of simple, comfortable but classically stylish clerical garb, something with pants. It needs to be able to stand up to being slept in.
The party, minus Barael De Were (unless he changes back - if he can) and maybe Briar (to guard the house against the rat) trundles off to see Cressida and share the good news.
Fondo can't help himself though and immediately wants information, cutting short Cressida's exclamations of joy over the discovery.
"So what exactly did you discover? A cure? Can we produce it in large quantities? Is it expensive?" Presuming you answer all these questions Cressida is a little less overjoyed, but it's clear from a gleam in her eye that she's still quite happy as she in turn answers your questions.
"No one will be in charge of production. I plan to blanket the city with the instructions starting first with the Physicians and Churches of course." She smiles. "More importantly though I've a contact at the Acadamae who will do us one better. He's going to create a recipe for a larger batch and then use the Minor Creation spell to produce it in bulk!"
"It's not a foolproof process - there will be bad batches and it will take him some time to perfect the recipe, but it's the best way I've come up with to get this out to the masses cheaply and quickly. Even with this, it will take some time, and a lot of effort, to get ahead of this plague, but the tide is turning!"
Cressida quickly snaps up the documents you provide and ushers you out of her office, "I must get these transcribed quickly. You'll have to excuse me."
Fondo does not, in fact, allow himself to be ushered out. He has more to discuss with the Field Marshall. "If you please, Field Marshall, I've another important matter. Mayhap I'll walk with you while you find your scribe?"
Assuming she does not summon guards to drag him our , Fondo continues. "Forgive me if my joy seems muted. Worry drags my spirits down.. I would know your mind about how you'll announce the cure."
"Most days, pride'd make me want some credit for doing a good thing. I'm not ashamed to admit it. But this time doing the right thing may well have incurred the wrath of our Queen. At a minimum, we caused the death of two or three of her physicians. If the truth's as I fear, that's the least of her motives to wish us ill."
"I fear anonymity's no longer an option for my friends and me. If we've a target on our heads already, we need all Korvosa to know we've found this cure—from smallfolk to noble. If I'm right, that'll protect us better than your guards, whom you need for other things."
"Our friendship with you's precious to me and mine. It came to my mind, in that joyful moment of discovery, to loudly proclaim it from the rooftops. I've the voice to do it, with Desna's blessings. But I knew you'd know better how to make our role in this known, without stirring up riots. So I ask you, will you do this for us?"
Briar keeps his bow transfixed on the rat, waiting to see what Nikolay does.
"Beast?? I know that's what you see, but I'm still Barael here. Same Barael who moments ago bade this form to come. And came it did!! I told you!" Barael notes that Briar doesn't lower his bow.
"Ok, uh, first admit that you were wrong. Then I'll change back." Barael crosses his claws, and waits.
Nikolay chuckles at Barael's success and Briar's uncomfortableness.
"At ease good elf, the man has chosen his own path. Whether or not you or I think it is wrong or right does not matter. He appears to have control now..." Nikolay pauses to be sure he has Barael's attention.
"But if that changes then we will deal with that as we must. He has chosen his path."
know(arcana)
Briar smirks as the beast maintains his defiance.
"Sure, Nikolay. He has control, of course he does." Briar slowly lowers his bow. "You are referring to the Rat owning the Human, right?"
Briar ponders his options and the safety of his laboratory equipment.
Best test his control then.
"Very well, you're ever so right, Rat. Now get out of my Craftorium while you still lack silver arrows in your belly."
Barael nods and extends his paw to Nikolay to acknowledge his caution. "Understood."
Barael turns to Briar then, observing the lowered bow, and extends the same paw.
"You don't have to tell me twice. Just let me change back and we can visit the Citadel."
After a minute, Barael excuses himself to his room.
You get the idea...
Barael doesn't come out from his room for the next 8 hours, unless he's disturbed.
Briar follows the Rat to his room to ensure the beast finds his rathole.
As the door locks, Briar turns to Nikolay.
"You go. I'll guard here. Not sure I need to see Cressida again...and we should probably keep an eye on him."
Briar will move a chair in front of Barael's door, a small measure to slow down the beast should it rampage.
Disable Device (block the door)
Briar pulls up a second chair in the alchemical laboratory, sits himself down to watch Barael's door. He will lay out a few silver arrows before him, just in case.
Lovely. Now I'm babysitting an overgrown rat...
Fondo does not, in fact, allow himself to be ushered out. He has more to discuss with the Field Marshall. "If you please, Field Marshall, I've another important matter. Mayhap I'll walk with you while you find your scribe?"
Assuming she does not summon guards to drag him our , Fondo continues. "Forgive me if my joy seems muted. Worry drags my spirits down.. I would know your mind about how you'll announce the cure."
"Most days, pride'd make me want some credit for doing a good thing. I'm not ashamed to admit it. But this time doing the right thing may well have incurred the wrath of our Queen. At a minimum, we caused the death of two or three of her physicians. If the truth's as I fear, that's the least of her motives to wish us ill."
"I fear anonymity's no longer an option for my friends and me. If we've a target on our heads already, we need all Korvosa to know we've found this cure—from smallfolk to noble. If I'm right, that'll protect us better than your guards, whom you need for other things."
"Our friendship with you's precious to me and mine. It came to my mind, in that joyful moment of discovery, to loudly proclaim it from the rooftops. I've the voice to do it, with Desna's blessings. But I knew you'd know better how to make our role in this known, without stirring up riots. So I ask you, will you do this for us?"
Cressida laughs and then responds in a more serious tone. "Fondo my friend, relax. I had no intention of taking credit for your work - people will know the good you have done here. They will know it."
"It's true. You have made an enemy of the Queen, and she is a dangerous enemy to have, more so every day I fear. Yes, technically, you have broken the law and as such you may be brought to justice at some future point, but I doubt it."
She grows quiet. "It is far more likely that the Queen will move against you directly. With her own personal forces. Like as not they won't even be Gray Maidens, but more like assassins in the night. It may come to pass that you'll need to go underground, hide out while her rage blows over."
"For now though, you are safe under my care. Should that change, I'll let you know - and with a little luck let you know with enough time to secure yourselves. It seems more likely that the Queen's anger will fade and you'll remain merely a hangnail, and not a thorn in the crown."
- - -
And with that, the Fireday ends and a new day begins. Over the weekend, you'll hear from many who come to your doors to thank you for finding a cure. Letters from even more will begin to arrive by messenger by Moonday. The Toilday sun brings a most important messenger.
It seems that Marcus Thalassinus, commander of the Sable Company, wishes to extend the thanks of the city, on behalf of the Queen herself! You are to arrive at the grand courtyard of the Castle Othday evening to receive your reward at a grand ball in your honor.
I presume the entire party will attend. Let me know what, if any, preparations you make for the event.
Fondo smiles. "I had no doubt you'd share credit, milady. Indeed, you do not take enough credit for yourself. Your fairness deserves the love of the people, and there's power in that. I expect the time will come soon when you'll need to use that power. I hope you won't hesitate for a moment when you need to use it. But for now, I thank you for being a good partner and friend."
Returning to the Harrow House, Fondo breaths a sign of relief and devotes himself to tending to Ruan—mostly. He does so with increasing nerves, not used to expressing his affections past a few nights (if that many). Why does a good deed leave me feeling so weak and uncertain? Will he not tell me that being saved means as much to him as the saving to me?
To quell his uncertainty, he takes some time during the course of the week to visit the city's taverns, inviting along Deyanira, his other friends, and Ruan too if Charlie's help has sped his recovery. Fondo buys a round at each and offers a toast .
"I offer this toast to Field Marshall Kroft, and to Desna for the good fortune we have in her leadership. In our city's direst hour, she has stood by the people of Korvosa. Her support helped us discover a cure for the Veil, and her efforts now are helping get that cure to all of Korvosa. She deserves our thanks, most truly. I hope you will make your love for her known."
Nikolay will spend the next five days finishing the Blessing of Fervor wand. During the week Nikolay will take the time to upgrade his wardrobe for the ball. He'll spend 100 gold pieces on something worthy of a noble, but not a noble's outfit.
The day of the grand ball he'll memorize a slightly different set of spells.
--------------------
3 (2/day) []Haste, []Vampiric Touch
2 (4/day) []Glitterdust, []Mirror Image, []Invisibility, []Spider Climb
1 (5/day) []Shocking Grasp, []True Strike, []Shield, []Burning Hands (DC 14), []Vanish
0 (5/at will) Disrupt Undead, Prestidigitation (DC 13), Read Magic, Light, Detect Magic,
Fondo murmurs at some point in the week over a bowl of porridge, "Cressida thinks Ileosa's more likely to send assassins than arrest us outright. Daggers, poison... If we've magics to protect our home, we'd best use them. And I'm not going to that ball without antivenom in my belly."
If Nikolay will consent, Fondo goes with him to buy clothing of like quality. He commissions an outfit of the finest Varisian fabrics—patterns that perfectly mesh with his family kapenia (a fine Varisian scarf the depicts one's family tree). If they wish it (and are foolhardy enough to be seen in the Harrowcast's company before the Queen), he will also offer to buy finery for Deyanira and Ruan .
Barael listens intently to Fondo when he returns from the Citadel, only nodding to confirm his fears of retaliation. "You think it's safe enough to attend that Ball though, do you? Do you think the Queen will be there herself?"
Barael will take a day both to visit Sadon at the Church of Aroden, should he still be there, and to secure a new outfit. Likely, he'll visit a tailor in the morning, spend some time at the Church, then return on his way back to the Warrens with his new wardrobe.
His consultation with the tailor is simple. Barael wants an outfit befitting the attending the funeral of a noblewoman. Celebrations be damned. I'll not be wearing no green dresses that day.
...
Back in the Warrens, Barael will take the latter part of a day, early in the week, to inquire with Nikolay and Briar. "This new form, it has a resistance to injury from normal weapons, right? Only silver will hit without fail." Barael looks like he's about to refrain from further discussion, but then proceeds.
"Can we try a couple of swings? I want to see what the differences are." Barael holds his shortbow out to Briar. "Could you take a shot or two with a normal arrow? Well, maybe just one shot."
Fondo - while Ruan is feeling much better, neither Deyanira nor Ruan have any wish to accompany you to the ball. For one thing, they have no invite, but mostly they are still recovering psychologically from recent events, "You go dear and be happy. You've done a wonderful thing, and deserve to be rewarded. We'll stay and guard the house from intruders."
Barael, you only have the DR when in hybrid or dire rat form. So you'll need to change for your tests.
Briar resists the urge to slap the crappy short bow out of Barael's hand and instead draws his own bow. Without waiting to be asked twice, Briar gladly fires a wooden arrow into Barael's foot.
damage
"That good? You want more?"
Briar - Deyanira does not have Craft Weapons and Armor. You'll have to go through Saul I think.
Briar goes to find Fondo, a new belt in hand.
"Varisian. You wanted this?" Briar holds the crafted Belt of Dexterity +2 in an outstretched arm. "Try this on. I think the magics are sufficiently bound to the material and you should near immediate results. Go on, try it on! Jump. Tumble. Dance. Tell me what you think."
Briar awaits Fondo's reaction to his work.
The magic is strong. Such is the way of Nethys.
Barael stiffens as the arrow pierces his foot.
"That's good. No need. That'll be enough for today, I think." Barael hobbles off to his room, to rest. He keeps the arrow in his foot until the door closes behind him.
Once transformed, he rips the arrow out, watches the wound, then attempts the same experiments on himself with his normal dagger, then his silver dagger.
He'll then transform back.
The rest of the day, he treads lightly around Briar, trying his utmost to appear to walk normally, as his foot throbs in argument.
"Thanks for your work, Brother Rose. Your maker's mark's perfectly placed." Though I'm not sure I care for your likeness kissing me there... Ah, well. Magic has its price.
He puts on the belt and kapers around a bit. "Yes, I feel the extra bounce. Mayhap we should test it with you trying to hit me with an arrow...? I jest. Only a fool'd ask a fine marksman like yourself to point your bow at him."
Dandi spends as much time as she can working on potions once the work on the cure has passed in to other hands, but leaves any time discussion of Barael's new whiskers comes up.
The Harrowed make their way to Castle Korvosa, and again climb the stairs of the great pyramid. The outer courtyard is bedecked with streamers, tables, chairs, and roving servants carrying food and drink. Hundreds of Korvosans press you on all sides congratulating you on your efforts before you've even caught your breath from the climb.
The evening spins and weaves wildly as the party finds themselves split to the far corners of the courtyard as everyone who is anyone wants to meet you. You truly are the flavor of the month, and those with power all want to get to know you. Even Saul is there to shake your hand and wish you well.
The Queen however does not make an appearance. The official word is that she is exhausted in the wake of recent events effecting her poor city and so cannot attend though she sends the powerful Marcus Thalassinus in her stead. Cressida Kroft is also there praising you with the others.
Just as things seem to reach a fevered pitch Marcus, commander of the Sable Company, climbs the stairs to the platform where just a few weeks before an executioner readied to do his job. He gives a short speech thanking you all, on behalf of the Queen, for your selfless service to Korvosa and he provides each of you a writ, good for 5,000 golden sails in any shop in Korvosa.
A cheer rises up from among the aristocracy, merchants, and other people of power surrounding you. You even catch Saul giving you a wink, smiling at the commission he's likely to receive from the writs you just received.
The ball peters out quickly after the speech and you find yourselves walking back down the mighty steps back into the safe bosom of your city on the mend. Korvosa, city of black and red. Your home.
- - -
Barael catches a glimpse of understanding with regards to Dandi's standoffishness, but finds himself preoccupied with the obligatory trip to visit with priest and vester.
It's only after a couple of days of testing the waters that Barael starts to really understand. An occasional quip in front of the others to confirm Dandi's retreat, and Barael resigns himself to clean up one mess he hadn't quite realized was still about.
He tries his best to be present when Dandi sets to work on her potions, quietly locating what he knows she'll need, cleaning what was used and shant again for the day.
"Quite disappointing, actually. I heard screaming and thought that Rolth had come to finish things. Sadly, it was just you. Looks like we didn't estimate the moon right."
Barael wants to leave, but knows that the problem will remain when he returns again. And it usually grows, next time around.
"He said he heard screaming. Said it was just me that night. Briar was wrong, weren't he?"
***
Barael spends a majority of the evening at the Castle trying to avoid the attentions of all in attendance, save one. Any physical contact offered up by Field Marshall Kroft is warmly accepted. He distances himself as much as he can when others try to touch on him, or shake his hand.
Make your inroads, Brov. Grow your roots, tie your anchors. If you think we need the exposure, you're the one to do it. "Excuse me, pardon me." Barael avoids speaking by stuffing his face with pastries or bread dips.
Bet ya didn't think I'd be the toast of the town, eh, Mum? "Oh, I'd shake your hand, but it's a bit buttery at the moment. You do understand?" Barael shifts position in the room frequently.
In extreme cases, Barael will go so far as to Vanish, relocate in the room, and wait until everyone is ready to leave.
She's kept her head down through the work, but her senses on high alert. She knows exactly where he is every moment, but she tries to work as if nothing has happened. Nothing has changed... Carefully, she takes what he hands off, and hands off what she makes - certain not to touch, not to feel, not even to see...the change in his skin, in the slight hair patterns on back of his wrists.
Still, she jumps when he finally speaks, nearly dropping the reduce person portion she's been working on this morning. Biting her lip, she forces herself still as she answers.
"Briar is seldom wrong." Careful careful, like the way she moves, the flick of her eye....even her tone is cautious.
Barael watches what words work on Dandi. "Seldom, aye." She flinches. She fliches like Mum does. Well, did. That pain is still fresh. "Excuse me." Barael quietly footpads out of the Lab, and heads to the Craftorium.
Barael finds Briar, hard at his work. "Long-Lived. First, I want to express that I hold no ill-will towards you for shooting me in the foot. Second, I've been meaning to ask, since you've been sharpening your skills. Could you find time in your days to work on something for me? I inquired with Saul, but I've seen your magic. I trust it more."
"There's these gloves, you see, let you see through things, hear through things. Would really make it easy to keep an eye out, should assassins prove to be a real threat to us. I've been hit one too many times by opening doors that should have stayed closed. I'd request from you a pair of Gloves of Reconnaissance."
"Oh, and one more thing. You said that you heard screaming that night. You didn't say who you thought did the screaming." Barael recognizes that leaving the thought there is way too likely to yield little fruit. "Long-Lived. Who screamed? Was it Dandi? She's pretty jumpy 'round me." Barael rocks back and forth, pressing down hard on his injured foot, making the pain come. "Did I... did I hurt her?"
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Barael finds Briar, hard at his work. "Long-Lived...Thanks for shooting me in the foot...I trust it more."
Briar turns to reply to the rat man, looking up from his work on the belt.
"Did you need me to shoot you again? Oh...you want magic? 'Protection from the moon' magic? Protection from silver? Cheese finding magic?" Briar listens intently to Barael's request, nodding and asking questions about the gloves.
"Let me research, but I think it's likely to be easily accomplished. I should have it for you in a few days. Of course, you'll need to pay."
"Oh, and one more thing. You said that you heard screaming that night. You didn't say who you thought did the screaming...Long-Lived. Who screamed? Was it Dandi? She's pretty jumpy 'round me...Did I... did I hurt her?"
Briar nods, remembering the night of disappointing interruptions.
"I recall the night well. I was working, just adding another layer of conjurative magics to bind with the transformative, you understand." Briar stops speaking and looks to see if Barael has *any* idea at all of what he interrupted by turning into a horrible ratmonster. "The magics must bind and layer correctly for the item to function." Briar continues to look for understanding.
Might as well explain this to a mouse.
Sighing, Briar continues.
"Well, the screaming..." Truth is that all humans sound like they are screaming in the way they use this hideous common tongue...there is a very fine line between screaming and talking. It lacks the delicate balance and poise of true elven.
"The screaming could have been you or her, I cannot tell the difference sometimes. You all sound alike," Briar says, but remembers more.
"But I will tell you this. After I dealt with you via my very powerful magics, I moved to check on the Waif. And she was unharmed and unbitten by you. Any injury she suffered was from broken glass...and not a direct attack by you. You were scary and took your vengeance out on the furniture, but I was never able to figure out what the chair ever did to you." Outside of understanding magic better, that is.
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"I recall the night well. I was wriggling, just caressing another layer of arousing magics to hug tight with the stimulating, you understand."
Barael listens to Briar, his eyes glazing over as the elf elaborates in the corners of the discussion where Barael cares little to look.
"Well, the screaming..."
Barael's eyes dilate, and his breathe is held. Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it...
Then, it is said.
The shattered glass, the broken furniture. His grateful mind had held it as an empty stage. His mind, conspiring with Briar's earlier words, had kept the truth from him. There was someone else on that stage, forced to endure the violence.
You're right, Long-Lived. What did the chair ever do to me? "Thank you for helping me, Briar. Sorry to have to keep bothering you on this." That was easy. The word didn't stick on its way out. Shouldn't be too hard, right, Aroden? Barael excuses himself to return to the Lab.
Barael makes sure to make noises as he approaches.
Entering the Lab, he distances himself, placing a table between himself and Dandi. Alright. The words won't come. Aroden, why? Oh, that's right. When I hear the words in my head, I hear my father's voice saying them. Bloody hell.
"I never meant for that to happen. My ignorance, my fault. I thought we had another..." The saliva dries up in his throat, and he stops speaking for a moment. "I am so sorry, Miss Dandi. This place is supposed to be sanctuary, and I shattered it." Don't you dare promise her it won't happen again. Barael presses down on his foot, hard.
"It shouldn't be you leaving the room when we discuss the Shifting. Please instruct me how to make this right, Miss Dandi."
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He sounds so...normal. So sane. She turns, then, facing him but her eyes not quite reaching his face, not daring to.
"...other night." She nods, swallowing hard. "Me too." But they didn't. His pale chest broadened again in her mind, greasy black fur spreading like mold across it. His body breaks and those horrible bulbous pulsing eyes stare back from inside her memory. Her own reflection wavers tiny and fragile in their depths, the only targets in a sea of rage. His...hers...He's ruined it! Ruined everything!
Her fingers curl tightly around the edge of the table, resisting the urge to throw herself at him, scratch those damned eyes out. Her hair, still in its braid, coils and flicks behind her. But she doesn't dare, doesn't call out the beast from its slumber. He could bite me...kill me in an instant...or worse...he could....
She shakes her head, flinging the images against themselves, letting them shatter into today...But he didn't...not then...won't now. See how sorry he is? How bad he feels? She gives a shake of her head and tries to smile. It is a miserable thing, weak, nothing, but she offers it up, the best she can do. A last ditch effort to hold on.
"N-no..it's ahh," ok....it's ok...it could be.... she wants it to be, wants so badly the nice normal family she'd been building in her mind, the one she's dreamed about. It's so close...if she just tries hard enough, it could be...
"fine..."
On the day of the party, Briar will prep and rest for what will assuredly be a day of toil and taxation from dealing with upcoming roil of Varisi-insanity.
He will dress in his new Nethysian garments, and, with his new belt, will be a glowing symbol of magic.
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 7):
4 (2/day) Blessing of Fervor, Air Walk, Explosive Runes (DC 18)
3 (3/day) Invisibility Purge, Dispel Magic, Stone Shape, Daylight
2 (4/day) Resist Energy, Grace*2, Magic Mouth (DC 16), Pilfering Hand
1 (5/day) Air Bubble, Divine Favor, Liberating Command, Identify, Obscuring Mist, Stone Shield
0 (at will) Stabilize, Read Magic, Create Water, Detect Magic
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Fondo is distracted as the celebration at the castle approaches. He turns to Deyanira, whom he has in his way cast as older sister, for counsel. I would ask the others, but their hearts are full of moons and magic, not politics...
One the evening of the celebration, he affects good cheer as he slides into his well-fitted new outfit and ties his hair back with his kapenia. He asks Deyanira for any protections she might be willing to bestow . Privately and with uncharacteristic shyness, he also asks Ruan for his blessing.
He peacebonds his rapier, secures his sap in its wrist sheath, and steps out into the city.
. . . . .
As Fondo steps up to accept Marcus Thalassinus' praise and reward, he mutters a few arcane words. Once the marine has finished, he turns to the crowd. His voice booms out, clear to the ear some distance away.
He looks out into the crowd, searching for friendly faces. Finding them, he continues.
With that, Fondo gives a modest bow to Thalassinus and rejoins his friends, dismissing his clarion call.
Nikolay opens up the recovered spell book and tries once again to learn the final spell there.
"Success!
The party has a few more days of rest (Fireday-Moonday, Erastus 6-9, 4707) to do with as they wish. Please don't plan beyond that - I don't want you to get too far ahead. You hear the Queen is going to make her first formal public appearance since the failed beheading of Trinia Sabor. She is expected to announce the end of the plague, and many hope the end of quarantines - though that may be wishful thinking.
While the party continues to be surrounded by well wishers and often boisterously happy people the next few days force you to take stock of what has happened in your fair city. Many of those who visit bring news from the city...
With the tide turning on the blood veil plague, Korvosa settles into a wounded silence. At first, it seems as if the city is healing and recovering from the tragedies she has suffered, but it is apparent that the damage done to Korvosa during the riots after Eodred II’s death and the plague itself are even greater than anyone feared. The streets are dull and muted, strangely empty except for when markets quietly open. People seem to be more interested in staying home than going out, and when they do, they shamble quickly and quietly to their destination and conduct their business swiftly. Many families are much poorer than before as well having spent their savings on cures for the Blood Veil.
The Order of the Nail has withdrawn from Korvosa, retreating to Citadel Vraid for the first time in Korvosa’s history. Some whisper the Hellknights are planning a full-scale invasion of Korvosa to seize control, but more knowledgeable sources suggest that dozens of Hellknights perished or failed to uphold their charges during the recent events, and that Lictor Severs has recalled his remaining troops to punish them for these failures. City churches have their hands full tracking down the remaining pockets of sick in the city and disposing of the dead, and the Academae has kept its doors shut and resources ensconced for the duration, apparently hoping to wait out these troubled times.
Both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company took staggering hits to both their personnel and morale. The commanders of both organizations talk about recruitment drives to replenish their ranks, yet helping Korvosa recover remains their primary goal - a goal made difficult by Queen Ileosa’s reduced support. Yet the queen is not ignoring Korvosa. The energy and support once lent to the Korvosan Guard is now funneled into a new order of peacekeepers - the enigmatic Gray Maidens. Even as the number of Korvosan Guards on the streets seems to dwindle, the presence of these armored warrior women increases.
Regular patrols of Gray Maidens march along the major streets, and rumors of strike forces breaking into homes and buildings reputed to house those who voiced dissenting opinions of the monarchy are growing. Old Korvosa remains under tight quarantine, with troops of Gray Maidens stationed along the Narrows and patrolling the Jeggare in swift warships to ensure that no one gets off Endrin Isle - the plumes of smoke as buildings burn and the periodic roars of riots that echo down from Old Korvosa alone are enough to warn away the curious. No one mentions the words “martial law” yet, but they hover on every tongue.
Perhaps that will change with the Queens' announcement.
"N-no.. it's ahh, fine..."
Barael observes the hair coil like a snake. "Something tells me it would be a bad idea to Shift into rat blend right now. I think you'd agree with me there." Barael nods to himself, and stands to leave.
"How about this, then? I'll fix to talk with Eries Yellow Eyes this week, secure us some wolfsbane to have in the here and now, tucked away in the Lab." Barael keeps his full attention on Dandi, gauging how the hypothetical strikes her.
"We'll give this thing a month's time, calculated right a course this time. If my new condition proves to be unacceptable, you know, peace of mind and all, then by your word, and your word alone, I'll take the wolfsbane, and we'll rid ourselves of it. What do you say?"
...
Barael sets off on a slower day to visit the Church of Aroden. While he's out, he'll stop at Saul's for an item. A small bell he can attach to his boot, that he can silence with a piece of cloth when he wants to, and remove so his presence through the Warrens is obvious.
Unfortunately Barael doesn't quite make it to the church of Aroden. It is, after all, in Old Korvosa. The one working bridge between the old town and the rest is heavily guarded by Gray Maidens. There are 12-15 on the bridge and they have a small pack of guard dogs with them. They don't seem to be letting anyone by.
Do you try your Guard writ? Or do you try to force your way through them? Or maybe even a little invisibility stunt across?
Not liking the tight control of the bridge, Barael waives his trip off. It's more that just talk then. This is rather unfortunate.
Barael will stroll by the bridge traffic a couple of times, then return to the House, defeated in his plans. He gently pads his pocket with the Writ. Likely you'd have little chance convincing Maidens, when your purpose was for the Guard in the first place.
After speaking, Fondo makes a point to chat at some length with Marcus Thalassinus, speaking simply about the orphanage, the plague, and his growing appreciation for Korvosa. He also floats a few neutral comments about the Queen, hoping to gauge his attitude toward her. "Troubled times much rest uneasily on our new Queen's shoulders. Twas no doubt a great sadness for the Queen to learn about Davaulus' deeds." He lets perhaps a bit too much archness in his tone.
For the rest of the evening, Fondo spreads himself around as much as possible, keeping an eye out most especially for Vencarlo Orisini.
. . . . .
The next morning, Fondo asks Briar for another boon. "Brother Rose, I've another request for you. This scarf is an heirloom of my people. These patterns here trace my lineage back a dozen generations. See this star? That's my brother, Boracho. Gone fishing to the Mwangi Expanse last time I saw him..." Sensing that Briar may be bored by his talk of Varisians, he gets down to business. "My kin are known throughout the highways and byways of Varisia for their charm and grace. Mayhap you've means to add an extra measure of the Barondo spirit into the scarf...? I'll need it to be unmarked, of course."
. . . . .
In the days following the celebration, Fondo makes the rounds in the city, inviting Ruan along if he feels up to performing. Once it becomes clear that the Gray Maidens are blocking access to Old Korvosa, he speaks with his friends about getting through the quarantine. "Vencarlo's in there, and Laura. I would know that they and the small folk're safe. Have we means to evade notice by the dogs? Swimming beneath the water? Invisibility and masking our scent?"
"N-no.. it's ahh, fine..."Barael observes the hair coil like a snake. "Something tells me it would be a bad idea to Shift into rat blend right now. I think you'd agree with me there." Barael nods to himself, and stands to leave.
"How about this, then? I'll fix to talk with Eries Yellow Eyes this week, secure us some wolfsbane to have in the here and now, tucked away in the Lab." Barael keeps his full attention on Dandi, gauging how the hypothetical strikes her.
"We'll give this thing a month's time, calculated right a course this time. If my new condition proves to be unacceptable, you know, peace of mind and all, then by your word, and your word alone, I'll take the wolfsbane, and we'll rid ourselves of it. What do you say?"
"A...month."No...nonononoNO! But he looks so hurt, so upset with himself. She squelches that voice inside, biting her lip until it shuts up again. She rubs her arms as she nods, telling herself it'll be ok. She's overreacting. He didn't hurt her, not really. A scratch. He didn't mean it.... "I...I suppose we could try a month. Try again..."
"I...I suppose we could try a month. Try again..."
It's a start. There's something still beneath the skin, but it's not working itself worse... not that I can see, at least. "I, uh... ok, then. I'll just... right." Barael gets up, wrings his hands a bit, and moves to the Lab entrance.
"There's likely some food deliveries I'll need to inventory. Might even bring some down here, in case we really have to lay low. Mention of attacks and assassins, you know." Barael bolts.
...
When talk of Old Korvosa arises more frequently, Barael considers what might need considering.
"How is produce and fresh meat and restock getting onto the Isle?" Barael drums his fingers on the dining room's table. "If we're fitting to get a look over there, best to do it by night. By water, likely, as the bridge'll be pretty secure. May need to perch somewhere to understand patrol patterns."
Fondo looks up from his ocarina practice with Ruan. "Excellent notion, brov. You've a sharp eye and deft climb to you. Mind you get a look at the Sable comings and goings while you're up there. And yes, by water seems wise. Mayhap Brother Rose'd gift us lungs for water, and poori'nedra eyes to see in the murky drink."
Charlie will head to the Vaults and grab Eries and maybe a couple other strong backed folk to help carry a load of booze for a couple day bender back underground. He will try to lift their spirits, get info about the city, and generally let loose.
After speaking, Fondo makes a point to chat at some length with Marcus Thalassinus, speaking simply about the orphanage, the plague, and his growing appreciation for Korvosa. He also floats a few neutral comments about the Queen, hoping to gauge his attitude toward her. "Troubled times much rest uneasily on our new Queen's shoulders. Twas no doubt a great sadness for the Queen to learn about Davaulus' deeds." He lets perhaps a bit too much archness in his tone.
Marcus responds equally neutrally though he is friendly enough. He does arch an eyebrow at your tone, he doesn't rise to the bait. It could simply be that he's no fool - he's unlikely to reveal his true beliefs in the Queens own castle.
Marcus is a barrel chested man, and clearly a leader of troops. He carries himself nearly at attention at all times - he's wound a little tight. Still, he seems a good leader of troops, the Sable Marines are very loyal to him and very disciplined.
Charlie will head to the Vaults and grab Eries and maybe a couple other strong backed folk to help carry a load of booze for a couple day bender back underground. He will try to lift their spirits, get info about the city, and generally let loose.
Eries and the others are uneasy though the party does them some good. With the Blood Veil breaking up families and making them poorer, there are more homeless than before. That coupled with a 'no quarter' policy on the homeless and vagrants by the Queen's Gray Maidens has driven more of them underground.
It's becoming harder to move around beneath the city without running into someone hiding out or living along a passage. Further, with the Guard population at record lows, and the remaining stretched thin, the Otyugh population is on the rise as well making the sewer portion of the vaults unsafe.
Barael hears tell of Charlie returning to the Vaults, and tries to ply him with a request. "Charlie, would you be so kind when you see Eries next, to harvest a little wolfsbane from her personal stock, so we can have it on the premises? Let me know, either way."